&#9834; Tum, tum tum tum tums! &#9834; finally tonight it's one of the most prized awards in sports, inspired by the legendary ten star, arthur ashe who used his celebrity on the court to help others. A new pioneer being honored, a singular human spirit and who shines brighter than our robin roberts. Reporter: Muhammad ali, billie jean king, pat summitt. All recipients of the arthur ashe courage award. This award named after arthur ashe, the first african american who became a subject of aides and tonight it's robin's turn to be honore I feel good like anything is possible. What made robin so fitting a recipient? Robin is a hero to a lot of people right now just because of the way she's conducting her life. Reporter: Since 2007 when she was first diagnosed with breast cancer, she has fought her battles in the public eye. There was relief when she went into remission in 2008. But last year, another devastating diagnosis, mds, a disease in tlood and bone marrow, she underwent a life saving bone marrow transplant from her sister sally ann. Blazing a trail in the shadow of a man who was a dear friend. I remember a conversation i had with arthur. He said if somebody at the end of the day said she was a journalist, then you haven't fulfilled your life's mission. That's how I look at arthur. He was a tennis player but so much more and inspired me to do the same. Reporter: Inspiring so many of us with our courage. The word courage is something people have said to me over and over and I said we are all a little bit stronger than we think we are. I had no other option than to be strong and to now be labeled courageous, wow. Reporter: Josh elliott, abc news, los angeles. And the espy will air live tonight. Be sure to watch "nightline"

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